Hard bargain for seats in Punjab, CM post on table for BJP
The BJP and the Shiromani Akali Dal are reportedly in talks to form a pre-poll alliance for the upcoming Punjab assembly elections. Discussions include seat-sharing arrangements and potential power-sharing agreements regarding the Chief Minister and Deputy Chief Minister positions.
Why it matters
A potential alliance between these two parties could significantly shift the political landscape in Punjab, as combined vote shares suggest a much stronger electoral position against rivals.
A hard bargain on seats and issues of chief ministership and deputy chief ministership are on the table amid indications that estranged partners — the BJP and the Shiromani Akali Dal — are in talks to explore a potential pre-poll alliance in Punjab.Though the BJP’s official position, as reiterated by national general secretary (organisation) BL Santosh during his Punjab tour, is that the party will prepare for and contest all 117 seats, the BJP is learnt to have unofficially kept a list of over 55 potential seats ready for discussions should a pact with the SAD mature.These seats include 45 Assembly segments where the BJP was ahead of the SAD in the 2024 Lok Sabha elections.Related news: BJP’s two messages on alliance with Akalis in PunjabIn 2024, the BJP had an overall lead among all parties in 23 Assembly seats of Punjab; it was second in six seats and third…
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